Did Arsenal Cool Their Zubimendi Interest? Another Transfer Saga Dodged.. | OneFootball

By now, you’ve probably seen the reports suggesting that Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is more likely to join Real Madrid than Arsenal.

For Gooners, this might come as a shock—especially considering the assurances during the winter transfer window that Zubimendi was on his way to North London.

(Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Back in January, Mail Sport claimed Arsenal had practically agreed on a £51 million deal for the Spaniard, with the transfer set to be finalised in the summer. More recently, it was reported that soon-to-be-unveiled Arsenal Sporting Director Andrea Berta was keen to bring the Real Sociedad man to the Emirates.

So, the news of Real Madrid emerging as favourites for Zubimendi has certainly caught many by surprise.

But let’s step back for a moment. Could this development indicate that Arsenal simply weren’t as keen on Zubimendi as we thought?

The Gunners might have shifted their focus to someone else like Bruno Guimarães instead. If that’s the case, it makes sense that Arsenal didn’t fight tooth and nail to prevent Real Madrid from hijacking the deal.

After all, with the promise of a key role (especially with Jorginho and Partey potentially departing), an attractive wage package, and the willingness to agree on terms with Sociedad for a summer move, Zubimendi seemed destined for the Emirates.

Yet, Real Madrid are now prioritising him. According to El Partidazo by COPE, Madrid are ahead of Arsenal in the race.

So, have Arsenal been beaten to this signing, or did they simply cool their interest?

As noted above, Arsenal may have realised that Zubimendi still doesn’t want to leave Spain. He turned them down in the winter of 2023 (and summer 2024) and also rejected Liverpool. Not every player wants to move abroad—and that’s perfectly fine.

The silver lining here? Arsenal won’t have to endure a drawn-out transfer saga that disrupts their summer plans.

For once, the Gunners need a flawless transfer window. Avoiding the Zubimendi saga might allow them to focus on other key targets—though there’s always the Alexander Isak saga to worry about!

With Zubimendi seemingly out of the picture, Arsenal scouts now have the opportunity to identify the ideal midfield option before the summer window.

And with Myles Lewis-Skelly emerging as a midfield talent for the future, there’s less reason to fret about Arsenal’s midfield moving forward for the moment I think.

What do you think Gooners? Another talent we’ve let slip though our fingers?

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